Hole in dash? 1950 Champion.

[Matt N]

Thanks all, you guys are great! I'll try and check for the tag tommorrow

[Bullet]

Typically the second line of the body tag that everyone is mentioning will tell you the trim level and model. First line(top line) is the body number second line is the body type as in C then the number 1 or 3 or 5. 1= custom, 3= deluxe and 5= regal deluxe. So we know yours because of the map light is a 3 or. 5. Let us know what you find.

Mark

[Matt N]

Here's the body tag on the firewall, from what jclary said, I'm not sure how to decipher it.

[RadioRoy]

9G = 1950 Champion
F = two door sedan
3 = deluxe trim
5703 = 5,703rd deluxe two door sedan body welded up

[Matt N]

9G = 1950 Champion
F = two door sedan
3 = deluxe trim
5703 = 5,703rd deluxe two door sedan body welded up

What does body welded up mean?

[DTHolder]

The bodies were fabricated independently with each one getting their body number. Later they were mated to the chassis.

[RadioRoy]

That is the 5703rd F3 body built/created/made/assembled/fabricated.

The bodies were not always made into cars in the same order that the bodies were made. When the bodies were made, they were painted and upholstered. The "3" being the deluxe model determined the upholstery material and level of fanciness of the interior hardware. That body would wait in the warehouse until a deluxe two door painted that color was assembled.

[Brianbo]

This is one of my favorite pix. Not sure what year these are...

[RadioRoy]

This is one of my favorite pix. Not sure what year these are...

Can you expand/lighten the picture?

If the windshield and back glass has a stainless steel divider, the bodies are 47-50. If the windshield and back glass are one piece, the bodies are 51-52.

There were a lot of promotional pictures taken in 1952 for the Studebaker centennial, so maybe this is one of them?

There were also a lot of promotional pictures taken in 1947 for the LIFE magazine article with the woody. Maybe this is one of them?

[Brianbo]

I lightened it a bit. Looks like two piece to me, but not sure. Also including another production pic, not sure of year here either🙂

[RadioRoy]

The middle picture looks like 47-49 (split windows) and the right picture is 52 (tail lights and one piece glass).

[StudeRich]

I wonder HOW we got from a Dome Light Lens to Factory Body Assembly Lines?

I think Post #22 covers the Body Install thing pretty well.
The Final Line Numbered the CARS, the Body line Numbered the BODIES, within EACH Body Type and Trim level, and there was NO sequence of what Body went to what Chassis/Engine combo that became the CAR and the CAR Serial Number on the Door Post and Frame.

In spite of all that, I think it actually was VERY well organized, and makes Sense, but GM owners with Newer, "Matching Numbers" Cars don't Get it!